Ecuador’s President Noboa Closes Borders Ahead of Critical Election

Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa announced a three-day border closure ahead of the presidential election due to security concerns about armed groups. Amidst escalating violence linked to drug trafficking, he is enhancing military presence and has taken measures to protect the electoral process. Noboa faces opposition from Luisa Gonzalez and Indigenous leader Leonidas Iza in a tense political landscape.

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has declared the closure of the nation’s borders from Saturday through Monday, coinciding with the first round of the presidential election scheduled for Sunday in which he is a candidate. This decision stems from concerns about destabilization attempts by armed groups, as Noboa expressed via his social media platform.

To enhance security, he has mandated an increased military presence in border regions and the immediate militarization of ports. During a campaign event, Noboa reported the apprehension of 12 individuals disguised as police and army personnel who were armed and equipped with a drone, alleging they were “narco-terrorists” aiming to disrupt national stability.

Noboa, who ascended to the presidency in November 2023 following the early elections called by his predecessor Guillermo Lasso due to impending impeachment, now faces immense challenges. This includes the declaration of “internal armed conflict” in January 2024, ignited by the escape of a notorious drug lord from a Guayaquil prison, inciting increased violence in the country.

Ecuador is currently plagued by rampant gang activity, with at least twenty organized groups involved in drug trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion. This situation has transformed Ecuador, previously viewed as a sanctuary, into a strategic hub for drug shipments amid rising violence. In 2023, the homicide rate was alarming, reaching 47 per 100,000 individuals. However, measures taken by the Noboa administration, including states of emergency and military deployments, reportedly reduced the rate to 38 in 2024.

As he faces his left-wing opponent, attorney Luisa Gonzalez, in the upcoming election, Noboa previously secured 52.1% of the vote in October 2023. Additionally, Indigenous leader Leonidas Iza is also a candidate, which adds further complexity to the electoral landscape. The political climate remains tense as violence from organized crime continues to threaten the stability of the nation.

Ecuador is currently navigating significant turmoil, marked by rampant violence linked to drug trafficking and organized crime. President Daniel Noboa, having taken office in late 2023 amid high-stakes political and social challenges, has prioritized national security as he engages in a closely contested re-election battle. The measures he is enforcing, including border closures and increased military presence, aim to counteract the adverse effects of gang influence on the country’s governance and public safety.

In summary, President Daniel Noboa’s decision to close the borders leading up to the presidential elections reflects the heightened security concerns in Ecuador due to gang-related violence. By bolstering military presence, Noboa seeks to safeguard the electoral process while addressing an ongoing crisis exacerbated by drug trafficking and organized crime. As the elections approach, the political stakes remain high, with Noboa’s leadership under scrutiny amid struggles for stability.

Original Source: www.voanews.com